Do you remember when buying a SS watch from AD was not the best route?

[FTX I]

Two or three years ago, buying a SS watch from an AD at retail was for people not 'in the know'. We could easily get 20% discount buying from a trusted seller. Now I don't even visit their sites anymore. If I do it's only to check out the crazy prices. Do you think those good days are gone?

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Two or three years ago, buying a SS watch from an AD at retail was for people not 'in the know'. We could easily get 20% discount buying from a trusted seller. Now I don't even visit their sites anymore. If I do it's only to check out the crazy prices. Do you think those good days are gone?

Well I think until production comes back it will stay this way. Although I don’t think prices will drop, but more just not skyrocket they way they have been. It’s made purchasing from a gray dealer a 100% no for me. I’ve been fortunate to get most of what I want from my AD’s though. Although even lately that’s gotten harder and harder.


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[FTX I]

Originally Posted by jrs146

Well I think until production comes back it will stay this way.

That's what I think as well Josh, but something tells me those days when 20% discount on a SS Sub or GMT are probably gone. Never seen a crazy market like this before.

[jrs146]

Originally Posted by FTX I

That's what I think as well Josh, but something tells me those days when 20% discount on a SS Sub or GMT are probably gone. Never saw a crazy market like this before.

It appears that will be the case for the time being. But if Rolex ever increases production to where you can walk into an AD and buy a SS model and get a fair discount, Gray dealers will be forced to sell for 20%+ under MSRP. Unfortunately that’s not the case right now and gray dealers are squeezing every ounce of profit (rightfully so) out of this marketplace.

I’m still getting double digit discounts on SS models from AD’s. The problem is they just have no inventory. I was in my AD yesterday buying a TT sub which I got a handsome discount on and the only SS sports models they had was an explorer II in white and black, an air-king and a yacht master. That’s it. It was quite sad looking at such an empty case. Lots of datejusts though.


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[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by FTX I

Two or three years ago, buying a SS watch from an AD at retail was for people not 'in the know'. We could easily get 20% discount buying from a trusted seller. Now I don't even visit their sites anymore. If I do it's only to check out the crazy prices. Do you think those good days are gone?

Flavio - totally agree, my friend. Trusted Sellers are more than happy to raise their prices, even higher than retail in some instances.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

Flavio - totally agree, my friend. Trusted Sellers are more than happy to raise their prices, even higher than retail in some instances.

They seem to be raising prices every week

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by FTX I

They seem to be raising prices every week

Almost comical at this point. But, to your point, it use to be that a suggestion to buy from a “trusted seller” was to avail oneself of a discount, yet those days are long gone. Maybe not for gold models, but holds true for SS.

[DeeTee]

It’s not so much Trusted Sellers raising prices, it’s that they cant get anything. Their source is the Rolex AD which is barely getting inventory, and now they are reluctant to sell to grey market.

They are making slimmer margins than ever, but there are more customers now since watches are hot.

[elcompa]

It's a free market based on supply and demand. I dont begrudge anybody who knows how to capitalize on the situation and make a buck. A market left alone will always, ALWAYS right it self.

So, if someone really, REALLY has to scratch that itch right now and is willing to pay a higher price, then do it. Of course waiting may yield a more favorable price for a buyer...at least for the next few months. It is a bubbles that will pass...like all bubbles before and heretofore. JMHO

[THC]

Or one can just win one here on TRF !!

[kilyung]

Thankfully inventory on PM and discounts are still to be had at both greys and ADs.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Thankfully inventory on PM and discounts are still to be had at both greys and ADs.

Yes sir!

[Jeffreyc87]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Thankfully inventory on PM and discounts are still to be had at both greys and ADs.

I agree. Mike.

I am completely done with SS.

At one time I owned 22 Omega Devilles which turned into 8 SS Rolexes.

Then I sold everything...lost on the Omegas......did well on the SS models and purchased a BLRO and Smurf from one of our most famous TS.

This was several years ago but I got 33% discount on both WG models.

I am grateful I have these 2 in my collection and hope to add a Platona or WG Coke if it ever comes out.

One can get a solid YG Sub or GMT for $24K or so.

In terms of PM, I don't think any brand can beat Rolex prices.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Thankfully inventory on PM and discounts are still to be had at both greys and ADs.

Must be nice to be in that situation. Those in the SS side are struggling right now.

[hbombkid]

I definitely remember. It was July 2016 and I got 20% off my NIB Sub date. Man those days are long gone. I probably could get extremely close to that maybe more for a 18 month old watch if I wanted to sell.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by hbombkid

I definitely remember. It was July 2016 and I got 20% off my NIB Sub date. Man those days are long gone. I probably could get extremely close to that maybe more for a 18 month old watch if I wanted to sell.

And it’s not only new models, either. I remember what I paid for my Coke 16710 back in 2014, and shake my head at what trusted sellers are asking for this model today. Craziness.....

[RHIII]

Things will normalize overtime...they always do. Just have to give it time. We may have a better 'feel' after Basel...if there are in fact some movement updates...

LOTS of other options out there to keep everyone busy.

[AK797]

I do now as in the UK this has been the sitch for 1.5 years, Rolex never did try to match demand and were happy for premiums to build and build, and instead of ending this imbalance they have allowed it to spread to the US, of all markets, and coupled with an announcement of lower supply this year for some reason this will be the new norm. Repositioning the brand away from its mid-lux competitors to buttress against the I-gen's future shrinking of the industry is a smart move.

[Juantxo]

I never bought, never will buy from a "trusted" -not- seller.

[brandrea]

It was a long time ago in a galaxy far away

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by brandrea

It was a long time ago in a galaxy far away

So true but what a disgrace.

[nikesupremedunk]

It actually wasn't that long ago. Exactly a year ago you could get a new hulk for $8200 from a TS. I wonder if things will ever go back to the way it was. Usually prices only go one way, up.

[superdog]

Great question my friend.

Always peaks and valleys though.

The one true constant is change.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by superdog

Great question my friend.

Always peaks and valleys though.

The one true constant is change.

[Colin10101]

It’s definitely a bit discouraging. Hopefully things revert back to how they were, but I doubt it.

[Fleetlord]

Hold on...what about the reports that SS Pro stock, especially LV's were hitting dealers hard and TD askings were dropping??

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Hold on...what about the reports that SS Pro stock, especially LV's were hitting dealers hard and TD askings were dropping??

Maybe restricted to small markets? There's a big problem when you could get a SS sports watch with a solid 20% off but now MSRP seems to be the holy grail.

[Boothroyd]

I just stopped by my local AD to pick up my Explorer, which needed a service.

The Rolex rep had been in this week. He told them that if he caught them discounting on the Professional line, he would pull their AD status. Said he had done that to 4 AD's already in the last year. For what that's worth. They only had an Explorer, Air King, Explorer II and Yachtmaster in the display case--same inventory issue.

[Dusko.Popov]

I've always purchased from ad. I want my name on the card.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Dusko.Popov

I've always purchased from ad. I want my name on the card.

My 114060 was bought from a trusted seller in europe with my name on the card and a huge discount. Glad I did it when it was possible.